Production of antenna devices

ABSTRACT

A method of producing an antenna device for use in a portable radio communication apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a dielectric substrate ( 21 ) having a first ( 22 ) and a second ( 42 ) surface opposite to each other; (ii) ejecting a liquid electrically conductive substance, e.g. ink, from an ejecting apparatus ( 3 ), e.g. an ink jet printer, onto the first surface of said dielectric substrate, said ejecting apparatus having a container ( 7 ) filled with said liquid conductive substance an ejection opening ( 5 ) in liquid communication with said container, and an implement for ejecting liquid conductive substance from said container through said opening; and (iii) moving ( 65 ) said dielectric substrate and said ejection opening relative to each other while ejecting said liquid conductive substance to thereby form ( 101 ), upon being solidified, a conductive antenna pattern ( 23, 71, 82, 91 ) on the first surface of said dielectric substrate.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of radiocommunications and particularly to methods of producing an antennadevice for use in a portable radio communication apparatus, to antennadevices produced according to the respective methods, and to portableradio communication apparatus comprising the respective antenna devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

[0002] As communication devices such as portable radios, cellulartelephones, and other personal communication systems become smaller, theelectronic components contained within the devices, such as internallymounted antennas, will tend to be smaller also. Such internally mountedantennas have good radiation characteristics, desirable drive pointimpedance, and simple construction. Further, they are reluctant todamage and they can increase the aesthetic appeal of the devices intowhich they are mounted compared to devices having externally mountedantennas. However, such internally mounted antennas tend to be bulky andrequire often additional steps in the assembly process. Mobilecommunication devices are also subject to cost reduction demands as wellas increasing adaptation for large-scale manufacturing. For that reasonparts included in a mobile phone are preferably designed to ensure lowproduction and assembling costs.

[0003] In order to minimize size requirements and permit low costproduction the internally mounted antennas may typically be provided asprinted circuit antennas. Two techniques frequently employed in thisrespect are screen-printing and tampon printing. While such techniquesare simple and cost effective they are not very flexible since theantenna patterns to be produced have to be determined at an early stagein the production process. Further, they are difficult to use for theproduction of antenna patterns onto curved surfaces, particularlyconcave surfaces, if at all possible.

[0004] Still further, it is highly desirable that such printed circuitantennas be mass produced or produced in such a way that costs arereduced and efficiency is increased. It is also desirable that themethod of mass producing the printed circuit antennas maintain a highlevel of flexibility, uniformity and quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In light of the foregoing, a primary object of the presentinvention is to provide a method of producing an antenna device for usein a portable radio communication device, which method is flexible andprovides for redesign, reconstruction and modification to be made of theantenna patterns in the production line.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide suchmethod, which allows for mass producing antenna devices.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a processfor mass producing printed circuit antennas, which minimizes the timerequired to produce such printed circuit antennas.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aprocess for mass producing printed circuit antennas, which are able tooperate within more than one frequency bandwidth.

[0009] These objects, among others, are according to a first aspect ofthe present invention attained by methods as defined in the appendedpatent claims.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide anantenna device for use in a portable radio communication apparatus,which is produced by means of any of the methods according to the firstaspect of the invention.

[0011] Still a further object of the invention is to provide a portableradio communication apparatus comprising such an antenna device.

[0012] Thus, according to a second and a third aspect of the presentinvention there are provided an antenna device and a portable radiocommunication apparatus, respectively, as defined in the appendedclaims.

[0013] Advantages of the present invention include, inter alia,manufacture and assembly of antenna devices to a lower cost; use of lesscomponents in each of the devices; and a high level of flexibility as itbrings design and production of antenna devices together and allows foradjustments, readjustments and modifications of the antenna patterns tobe made in the production line without causing any longer delays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will become better understood from thedetailed description of embodiments of the present invention givenhereinbelow and the accompanying FIGS. 1-4, which are given by way ofillustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates, in a schematic view, a system for producing anantenna device according to the present invention.

[0016]FIGS. 2a-b illustrate, in a schematic and in a perspective view,respectively, a first particular embodiment of a device for ejecting aliquid conductive substance as being comprised in an exemplary one ofthe system for producing an antenna device as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 2c illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a secondparticular embodiment of a printing head for ejecting a liquidconductive substance as being comprised in an exemplary one of thesystem for producing an antenna device as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 2d illustrates, schematically, a particular embodiment of thesystem for producing an antenna device as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019]FIGS. 3a-b illustrate, schematically in top views, two differentantenna patterns as produced according to production methods of thepresent invention.

[0020]FIGS. 3c-d illustrate, schematically in cross-sectional views, twofurther antenna patterns as produced according to production methods ofthe present invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a flow scheme of a method according to a yet a furtherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein identicalnumerals indicate the same or similar elements throughout the figures,FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a general system 1 for producing anantenna device for use in a portable radio communication deviceaccording to the present invention.

[0023] System 1 comprises an ejecting apparatus 3 having an ejectionopening 5 and typically including a container 7 filled with a liquidconductive substance; a liquid communication path 9 interconnectingcontainer 7 and opening 5; and an implement 11 for forcing liquidconductive substance from container 7 through the communication path andout through opening 5 preferably as a narrowly focused liquid jet 13 oras a close succession of droplets.

[0024] The system 1 further comprises a carrier 15 in the form of abench, worktable, or similar, and a means 16, such as for example aframe or support, for interconnecting ejecting apparatus 3 and carrier15 in accurately and precisely controlled fashion and for moving thecarrier 15 and ejection opening 5 of ejecting apparatus 3 relative eachother in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the jet13 ejected from opening 5.

[0025] Further, system 1 includes a control unit 17 connected toejecting apparatus 3 and to support 16 by means of a two-waycommunication line 18; and an input/output (i/o) device 19 connected tocontrol unit 17 by means of a further two-way communication line 20.Control unit 17, which typically a microcomputer or similar loaded withsuitable software, controls the ejection of liquid conductive substancefrom opening 5 and the relative movement between carrier 15 and opening5. By means of input/output device 19, which typically takes the form ofa display unit and a keypad or similar, a human operator may control,change, modify, adjust, and supervise the operation of control unit 17.

[0026] In operation of system 1 for producing an antenna device asuitable dielectric substrate to carry an antenna pattern is provided.In one version the dielectric is a portion of molded plastic 21 having afirst 22 and a second 42 surface opposite to each other, wherein theantenna pattern is to be formed on the first surface thereof and whereinthe second surface thereof will constitute the outer casing of theportable radio communication device in which it is to be mounted.However, there are no limitations in this respect and the dielectricsubstrate may be virtually any kind of dielectric material provided forthis purpose only or provided generally for other purposes. Examples ofthe latter details are SIM-cards, printed circuit boards (PCB's),displays, keypads, batteries, and battery packs.

[0027] The dielectric substrate 21 is firmly attached to carrier 15 withits second surface facing the carrier and its first surface facingejecting apparatus 3.

[0028] Then, carrier 15 and ejection opening 5 of ejecting apparatus aremoved relative each other while ejecting liquid conductive substanceonto the first surface 22 of dielectric substrate 21 to thereby form,upon being solidified, the conductive antenna pattern, which in FIG. 1is denoted by 23.

[0029] By such provisions mass fabrication of antenna devices to a lowcost is enabled. Further, very simple antenna devices can be fabricatedby the use of few components in each of the devices. As the antennapattern written onto the dielectric is controlled by means of thecontrol unit and the operator the pattern may easily be changed,adjusted and modified without the fabrication of a new physicaloriginal, template, form or similar, as is being needed by using severalother printing techniques such as e.g. screen and tampon printingtechniques.

[0030] The solidification of the antenna pattern may be speeded up bymeans of heating the liquid conductive substance ejected onto thedielectric substrate; or by means of blowing a gas, particularly dryair, over the dielectric substrate and the liquid conductive substanceejected thereon.

[0031] Further, it is possible to use the inventive production method toalso form an antenna pattern on the second side 42 of dielectric 21.Such dual antenna pattern may be produced to enhance the RF performanceof the antenna device, to allow for multiband operation and/or to formelectrical circuits, e.g., matching circuits including capacitors,directly on the dielectric substrate 21.

[0032] Thus, the antenna device is released from the carrier 15, turnedupside down, and remounted on the carrier 15, whereafter liquidconductive substance is ejected from the ejecting apparatus 3 onto thesecond surface 42 of dielectric substrate 21 while moving saiddielectric substrate and the ejection opening of said ejecting apparatusrelative each other. Upon solidification, a second conductive antennapattern is formed on the second surface of the dielectric substrate (notillustrated).

[0033] The liquid conductive substance can be any suitable conductingfluid such as conductive paint, conductive resin, or conductive adhesiveand the ejecting apparatus 3 can be any apparatus suitable for thepurpose, such as e.g. any of a drops gun, an atomizer, a blow-by gun,and a paint spray gun.

[0034] In a preferred version of the invention, however, the liquidconductive substance is conductive ink and the ejecting apparatus is anink jet printer.

[0035] In the following two embodiments of an ink jet printing devicesuitable to be used in the production process of the present inventionis described.

[0036] Reference is first made to FIGS. 2a and b, showing the basicstructure of an ink jet printing device for safe, rapid and reliableejection of droplets of a conductive ink, wherein droplet formation isachieved by means of thermal energy. Ink is supplied from an ink supplytank 38 maintained under a predetermined elevated pressure P3 to aprinting channel 35 via a conduit 37. As an alternative to a pressurizedink tank, the printing channel 35 can be a capillary channel similarlyensuring reliable ink feed from a tank towards a printing opening 39.The printing channel 35 is formed by means of a base plate 34 and acover plate 36 provided with an appropriate groove.

[0037] The ink jet printing device is connected to holder 15 by means offrame 6 so as to achieve an apparatus wherein the ink jet printingdevice and holder 15 are movable with respect to each other in acontrolled fashion. A dielectric substrate is mounted within holder 15with a first surface 22 thereof facing the printing opening 39.

[0038] From the printing opening 39, ink droplets 5 are ejected ontosurface 22 of dielectric substrate 21 firmly mounted in holder 15 bymeans of an electrothermal transducer, for example an electricalresistor 33. In a preferred version, the resistor 33 consists of a thinfilm metal layer on the base plate 34. When a suitable voltage pulse isapplied to the resistor 33, the temperature of the ink in the vicinityof the resistor exceeds its boiling point and an ink vapor bubble isformed. This explosively expanding bubble serves to eject an ink droplet5 out of the printing opening 39.

[0039] If desired, the resistor 33 can be covered by a thermoconductivefoil (not shown), which is in close contact therewith and which protectsthe resistor against thermal burnout into the ink. Moreover, such foilmakes the resistor insensitive to the chemical properties of the inkused.

[0040] When a pressurized ink supply system is used, a drainage systemfor leaking ink as shown in FIG. 2a is useful. Any excess ink leavingthe printing opening 39 is drawn by a reduced pressure P4 into an intakeaperture 40. A lateral cover 41 is provided to form the intake aperture40. Typical dimensions of the intake aperture are about 10 to 500 □m(for printing opening diameters of 20 to 1000 □m).

[0041]FIG. 2c shows a one column matrix printing head for an ink jetprinter according to a further embodiment, the head having n printingopenings. A base plate 44 carries n resistors 45-1 to 45-n ofapproximately 150Ω each. Each single resistor is connected at one end toa common ground electrode 55, the other ends of the resistors beingconnected to electrodes 56-1 to 56-n. The base plate 44 is bonded to acover plate 48 provided with grooves which cooperate with the base plate44 to define printing channels 46-1 to 46-n of 40 □m in width which allterminate in a common ink reservoir 47. The ink reservoir 47 is coveredby a plate 51 provided with an air vent tube 50 and ink supply tubes49-1, 49-2 connected to an ink supply tank (not shown).

[0042] The printing head is provided with a drain system consisting ofan intake plate 52 having a slot 53 of a width of 30 □m which isconnected to a drainage chamber 54, the latter being maintained under areduced pressure in use.

[0043] In operation, voltage pulses are applied between the commonground electrode 55 and one or more of the individual electrodes 56-1 to56-n, whereby matrix printing is carried out as the printing head andthe recording medium are moved relative to each other. The embodimentsabove have been described with reference to a device in which eachprinting opening is created by an end of a respective printing channel.It is, however, equally suited for devices in which the printingopenings are provided along the length of one or more printing channels,whereby the ink droplets are ejected sideways out of the channel(s).

[0044] While the ink jet printing device for use in the presentinvention has been described in two embodiments by way of example itshall be appreciated that the same can be varied in a plurality of ways.Such further variations regarding ink jet printers and ink jet printingtechnologies may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,050,075 issued to Hertz etal. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,680 issued to Belon et al., and inreferences therein, all of which being hereby incorporated by reference.

[0045] With reference next to FIG. 2d, which schematically illustrates aparticular embodiment of the system for producing an antenna device asillustrated in FIG. 1, an important feature of the present invention isdescribed.

[0046] The system comprises a printer device including a container 7, aconduit 9 and a printing head 60, the printing head having an openingthrough which conductive paint or ink can be ejected in a direction asindicated by arrow 61. The system further comprises a table 63 movablein three dimensions as indicated by arrows 65. The table may forinstance be an XY-table movable in an XY-plane oriented orthogonally tothe direction 61 of the ink or paint ejection from head 60, which isfurther provided with means for being movable in a third direction Zorthogonal to the XY-plane.

[0047] The movement of table 63 as well as ink or paint ejection fromthe printer device are controlled from a control unit 17 by means ofcontrol lines 18 and 62, respectively. As in the FIG. 1 system thecontrol unit is provided with an input/output device 18 throughcommunication line 20.

[0048] By means of the system of FIG. 2d antenna patterns may be formedon essentially non-planar surfaces such as curved, convex and concavesurfaces and still maintain a substantially constant distance betweenthe opening of the printing head and the non-planar surface on which theantenna pattern is to be formed.

[0049] In operation a dielectric substrate 21, having an essentiallynon-planar surface on which the antenna pattern is to be formed, ismounted at table 63, whereafter table 63 is moved in the XY-plane and inthe Z-direction while ejecting liquid conductive substance from printinghead 60. The movement in the XY-direction is indicative of the antennapattern to be produced and the movement in the Z-direction is performedto follow the non-planar surface of the dielectric substrate 21, i.e. toobtain a constant distance to the non-planar surface of the dielectricsubstrate 21 during production. The movement in the Z-direction is thusperformed to keep the opening of printing head 60 on a level with dottedline 66.

[0050] With reference next to FIGS. 3a and b, which illustrateschematically in top views, two different antenna devices as producedaccording to production methods of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 3a shows an antenna device comprising a meander pattern 71produced on a dielectric substrate 21, for instance a stiff or aflexible substrate. Using a flexible substrate enables the shape of thesubstrate to be adapted to the shape of the casing of the portable radiocommunication device in which it is to be mounted.

[0052] The meander shaped antenna pattern 71 has a feed connection point72 and a number of parallel feed and ground lines 73, all connected to afeed point 72 and a ground point 74 via a common main feed line 75 and aground line 76, respectively. The antenna element also comprisesadditional capacitive components 77 and an inductive component 78connected to ground. The dotted lines 79 illustrate some positions wherethe length of the antenna pattern 1 can be adjusted. The referencenumerals 80 designate short circuiting lines between different points ofthe antenna element.

[0053] The capacitive and inductive components 77, 78 are illustrated asdiscrete components. However, the desired capacitance or inductance caneasily be provided by means of suitable formed conductive path. of thesame kind as the conductive path of the antenna element and applied onthe same substrate as the antenna element and connected thereto, as isknown in the art.

[0054]FIG. 3b illustrates a further meander-shaped antenna pattern 82formed on a substrate 21 in accordance with the present invention.Antenna pattern 82 is grounded at point 83. A main feed line 84 connectsa common feed connection 85 to a plurality of feed branches 86. Some ofthe feed branches comprise suitable capacitances and/or inductances 87.Some tuning stubs 88 are added to the antenna pattern which stubs can beformed as desired for fine frequency tuning of the band frequencies.

[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 3c and d, which illustrate, schematically incross-sectional views, two further antenna patterns as producedaccording to production methods of the present invention.

[0056] According to a first production process a pattern 91 of a liquidsubstance is formed on a dielectric substrate by means of any of theapparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the result of which beingillustrated in FIG. 3c. The liquid substance may be conductive inkobtained by kneading a conductive pigment and a mixture of an adhesiveand a solvent. The adhesive used may be selected from among methacrylicacid ester resins such as an ABS resin, ethyl cellulose, and phenolresin. The solvent used may be selected from among acetone, ethylacetate, cellosolve derivatives, ketones, benzene, toluene, and ethylenechloride. The conductive pigment used may be selected from among silverpowder, silver oxide, silver nitrate, organic compounds of silver, andcopper powder.

[0057] The conductive ink layer 91 is provided so that a plated metallayer 92 adheres satisfactorily thereto. The conductive ink layer 23 isselectively chemically plated with a metal layer 92 of a conductivemetal such as nickel or copper such that the plated metal layer 92obtains a pattern substantially matching pattern 91 and overlying thesame.

[0058] Optionally, adhesive in the conductive ink is etched away fromthe conductive ink layer 91 to make the surface thereof rough, the roughsurface of the ink layer 92 is then chemically plated with a conductivemetal such as nickel or copper in the presence of a catalyst such asplatinum.

[0059] The conductive ink layer 91 and plated metal layer 92 thus formedimprove the antenna performance of the antenna device.

[0060] Instead of chemically plating the metal it can be ion plated orelectrolytically plated.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3d, an antenna device is produced by meansof forming a conductive ink pattern 91 using any of the ejecting orprinting apparatus of previous embodiments and versions of theinvention, forming a metal pattern 92 on the conductive ink layer 91 bymeans of selective chemical plating, and on the chemical plated pattern92 selectively forming an electrolytically plated metal layer 93.

[0062] The chemically plated layer 92 is formed by selectivelychemically plating a conductive metal onto the conductive ink layer 91and the electrolytically plated layer 93 is formed by selectiveelectrolytic plating on the chemically plated layer 24 such that thethree patterns are corresponding to each other and aligned such thatthey overlying each other.

[0063] The electrolytic plating brings about a thicker plated patterncompared to the chemical plating, so that the antenna device of FIG. 3dhas more quantity of a conductive metal than the antenna device of FIG.3c.

[0064] It shall be appreciated that while the plated metal overlying theprimary pattern written onto the dielectric substrate can operate as anantenna by itself, the liquid substance primarily formed on thedielectric substrate can be an electrically insulating material.

[0065] Further details regarding selective metal plating may be found inU.S. Pat. No. 5,768,217 issued to Sonoda et al. and U.S. Pat. No.5,685,898 issued to Dupuis et al., which patents are hereby incorporatedby reference.

[0066] With reference now to FIG. 4, which is a flow scheme of aniterative production process, a further embodiment of the presentinvention will be described.

[0067] As the production of an antenna device in accordance with themethod described with reference to e.g. FIG. 1 is flexible, it canadvantageously be combined with an iterative production processincluding a decision model, wherein the antenna device can be adjusted,corrected or modified in the production line.

[0068] In a first step 101 of the process an antenna pattern is formedon a dielectric substrate in accordance with the method described withreference to FIG. 1 Thereafter, in a step 103 the dielectric substratewith the antenna pattern formed thereon and a portable radiocommunication apparatus of a particular model are assembled wherein theantenna pattern is electrically connected to an RF feed device of saidportable radio communication apparatus of the particular model.

[0069] Subsequently, in a step 105 at least one antenna characteristicduring operation of the assembled portable radio communication apparatusof the particular model is measured/tested. The antenna characteristicto be measured can be e.g. antenna gain, return loss, far field, nearfield, or SAR characteristics.

[0070] Subsequent to testing, in a step 107, the dielectric substratewith said antenna pattern formed thereon and the portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model are disassembled whereinthe antenna pattern is electrically disconnected from the RF feed deviceof the portable radio communication apparatus.

[0071] The, the measured antenna characteristic is, in a step 109, usedin a decision model to decide on whether the characteristic isacceptable, if it is not fully acceptable but indicate that it could beacceptable subsequent to certain modification of the antenna pattern, ornot all acceptable. Finally, in a step 111 the dielectric with theantenna pattern is sorted according to the taken decision: if thecharacteristic is acceptable the dielectric with the antenna pattern isapproved as a produced antenna device, if it is not at all acceptablethe dielectric with the antenna pattern is rejected, and if thedielectric with the antenna pattern is to be modified it is, in a step113, returned to the ejecting apparatus such that, again in a step 101,a further modified conductive antenna pattern can be formed on thedielectric. The process then continues with the steps 103-111 until thedielectric with the antenna patterns or modified antenna patternultimately will be approved or rejected.

[0072] Further, the production process can be arranged such that, independence on the measured antenna characteristic, portions of theantenna pattern formed on the dielectric substrate are removed,particularly by means of laser cutting.

[0073] Returning to FIGS. 3a and b, several details of the antennapattern may be the result of modifications and adjustments of the kinddescribed above. For instance components 73, 77, 78, pattern length at79, and 80 of the antenna pattern illustrated in FIG. 3a and components87 and 88 of the antenna pattern illustrated in FIG. 3b are examples ofadditional structure that can be applied to an initially formed antennapattern. Similarly, dotted circles 81 in the antenna patterns of FIG. 3aand b can indicate positions where electrical paths are disrupted bymeans of removing antenna material.

[0074] It shall be appreciated that the production process describedabove can be applied in the initial phase of the mass production of aparticular antenna device. Thus, the ultimately approved antenna devicewith the modified antenna pattern can used as a template for the massproduction of antenna devices for use in portable radio communicationapparatus of the particular model.

[0075] Aspects of modification, redesign and production measurements arefurther described in our copending Swedish patent applications No.9904773-0 entitled A method and a blank for use in the manufacturing ofan antenna device and filed on Dec. 23, 1999, and No. 0004280-4 entitledProduction measurements and filed on Nov. 22, 2000, which applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A method of producing an antenna device for use in a portable radiocommunication apparatus, said method being characterized by the stepsof: providing a dielectric substrate (21) having a first (22) and asecond (42) surface opposite to each other; ejecting a liquidelectrically conductive substance from an ejecting apparatus (3) ontothe first surface of said dielectric substrate, said ejecting apparatushaving a container (7) filled with said liquid conductive substance, anejection opening (5) in liquid communication with said container, and animplement for ejecting liquid conductive substance from said containerthrough said opening; and moving (65) said dielectric substrate and saidejection opening relative each other while ejecting said liquidconductive substance to thereby form (101), upon being solidified, aconductive antenna pattern (23, 71, 82, 91) on the first surface of saiddielectric substrate.
 2. The method of producing as claimed in claim 1wherein the steps of ejecting and moving are controlled from a controlunit (17), particularly a microcomputer.
 3. The method of producing asclaimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said solidification of said liquidconductive substance is speeded up by means of heating said liquidconductive substance ejected from said ejecting apparatus onto the firstsurface of said dielectric substrate.
 4. The method of producing asclaimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said solidification of said liquidconductive substance is speeded up by means of blowing a gas,particularly dry air, over said liquid conductive substance ejected fromsaid ejecting apparatus onto the first surface of said dielectricsubstrate.
 5. The method of producing as claimed in any of claims 1-4wherein said liquid conductive substance is conductive ink and saidejecting apparatus is an ink jet printer.
 6. The method of producing asclaimed in any of claims 1-4 wherein said liquid conductive substance isany of conductive paint, conductive ink, a conductive resin, and aconductive adhesive, and said ejecting apparatus is any of a drops gun,an atomizer, a blow-by gun, and a paint spray gun.
 7. The method ofproducing as claimed in any of claims 1-6 wherein said dielectricsubstrate constitute part of the outer casing of the portable radiocommunication apparatus when being attached thereto.
 8. The method ofproducing as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second surface of saiddielectric substrate constitute part of the exterior surface of theouter casing of the portable radio communication apparatus when beingattached thereto to thereby protect said antenna pattern formed on saidfirst surface of said dielectric substrate from damage.
 9. The method ofproducing as claimed in any of claims 1-6 wherein said dielectricsubstrate is any of a SIMcard, a PCB, a casing, a display, a key pad, abattery, and a battery pack comprised in said portable radiocommunication apparatus.
 10. The method of producing as claimed in anyof claims 1-9 wherein said first surface of said dielectric substrate(21), onto which said liquid conductive substance is ejected, isessentially non-planar.
 11. The method of producing as claimed in claim10 wherein said first surface of said dielectric substrate (21), ontowhich said liquid conductive substance is ejected, is curved.
 12. Themethod of producing as claimed in claim 11 wherein said first surface ofsaid dielectric substrate (21), onto which said liquid conductivesubstance is ejected, is concave.
 13. The method of producing as claimedin any of claims 10-12 wherein the step of moving is performed such thatthe distance between said first surface of said dielectric substrate andsaid ejection opening of said ejecting apparatus is substantiallyconstant.
 14. The method of producing as claimed in claim 13 wherein thestep of moving is performed trough the steps of firstly mounting saiddielectric substrate on an bench (63) fixedly, said bench being movablein an plane (XY) substantially perpendicular to the direction (61) ofthe liquid conductive substance to be ejected and being movable in adirection.(Z) parallel with the direction of the liquid conductivesubstance to be ejected; and thereafter moving said bench in said planeand said direction while ejecting said liquid conductive substance tothereby form, upon being solidified, said conductive antenna pattern onthe first and essentially non-planar surface of said dielectricsubstrate.
 15. The method of producing as claimed in any of claims 1-14wherein said dielectric substrate with the antenna pattern formed onsaid first surface thereof and a portable radio communication apparatusof a particular model are assembled (103) wherein the antenna pattern iselectrically connected to an RF feed device of said portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model; at least one antennacharacteristic during operation of said assembled portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model is measured (105); saiddielectric substrate with said antenna pattern formed on said firstsurface thereof and said portable radio communication apparatus of theparticular model are disassembled (107) wherein the antenna pattern iselectrically disconnected from the RF feed device of said portable radiocommunication apparatus; and in dependence (109-113) on said measuredantenna characteristic ejecting liquid conductive substance from saidejecting apparatus onto the first surface of said dielectric substratewhile moving said dielectric substrate and the ejection opening of saidejecting apparatus relative each other to thereby form (101), upon beingsolidified, a modified conductive antenna pattern on the first surfaceof said dielectric substrate.
 16. The method of producing as claimed inclaim 15 wherein the steps of assembling (103), measuring (105),disassembling (107) and forming (101) a modified antenna pattern arerepeated until said measured antenna characteristic is lying within apredetermined acceptable interval.
 17. The method of producing asclaimed in claim 15 wherein said dielectric substrate with the antennapattern formed on said first surface thereof and said portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model are assembled whereinthe antenna pattern is electrically connected to an RF feed device ofsaid portable radio communication apparatus; at least one antennacharacteristic during operation of said assembled portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model is measured; saiddielectric substrate with said antenna pattern formed on said firstsurface thereof and said portable radio communication apparatus of theparticular model are disassembled wherein the antenna pattern iselectrically disconnected from the RF feed device of said portable radiocommunication apparatus of the particular model; and in dependence onsaid measured antenna characteristic removing, particularly by means oflaser cutting, portions of the antenna pattern formed on the firstsurface of said dielectric substrate.
 18. The method of producing asclaimed in any of claims 15-17 wherein said modified antenna pattern isused as a template for the mass production of antenna devices for use inportable radio communication apparatus of the particular model.
 19. Themethod of producing as claimed in any of claims 1-18 further comprisingejecting liquid conductive substance from said ejecting apparatus ontothe second surface (42) of said dielectric substrate (21) while movingsaid dielectric substrate and the ejection opening of said ejectingapparatus relative each other to thereby form, upon being solidified, asecond conductive antenna pattern on the second surface of saiddielectric substrate.
 20. The method of producing as claimed in any ofclaims 1-15 wherein a conductive metallic layer (92, 93) is selectivelyplated on said conductive antenna pattern (91), said metallic layerhaving a pattern substantially matching said conductive antenna patternand overlying the same, to thereby increase the antenna performance ofsaid antenna device.
 21. The method of producing as claimed in claim 20wherein the step of plating is performed by means of any of ion,chemical, and electrolytic plating.
 22. The method of producing asclaimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the step of plating is preceded by thestep of etching away a surface portion of said conductive antennapattern to thereby make the surface thereof rough.
 23. An antenna devicefor use in a portable radio communication apparatus, characterized inthat said antenna device is produced according to the method as claimedin any of claims 1-22.
 24. A portable radio communication apparatuscomprising an antenna device for transmitting/receiving RF energy,characterized in that said apparatus comprises the antenna device asclaimed in claim
 23. 25. A method of producing an antenna device for usein a portable radio communication apparatus, said method beingcharacterized by the steps of: providing a dielectric substrate;ejecting a liquid substance, particularly an adhesive, from an ejectingapparatus onto a surface of said dielectric substrate, said ejectingapparatus having a container filled with said liquid substance, anejection opening in liquid communication with said container, and animplement for ejecting liquid conductive substance from said containerthrough said opening; moving said dielectric substrate and said ejectionopening relative each other while ejecting said liquid substance tothereby form, upon being solidified, a well-defined pattern on thesurface of said dielectric substrate; and selectively plating aconductive metallic layer on said pattern, said metallic layer having apattern substantially matching said well-defined pattern and overlyingthe same, to thereby form an antenna pattern.